Reason #782 Why I Am Anxious For Summer: 'Cause it Ain't Winter

It's cold, folks.  Miserably so.  In case you hadn't noticed.  Ever the optimist, however, I have combed my recent projects in search of the perfect images to help conjure the essence of growth, warmth and sunlight of summer.  Because believe it or not, summer is right around the corner.  Sort of.

I photographed the below sunflower field on a perfect, sunny, 80-degree day in August last year.  Located in Franklin, Indiana, the J.P. Parker farm is known for its annual crop of more than 300,000 sunflowers.  Established in 1986, J.P. Parker Flowers has retail florist shops in both Franklin and downtown Indianapolis.

As you peruse the images below, go ahead and take a minute to pretend you are standing in the sunflower field, your upturned face feeling the warmth and light of the summer sun.   Remember that barbecue, shorts and flip flops weather will be here before you know it.  Until then, just keep repeating this mantra...

Old Man Winter, don't go away mad.  Just go away.   

   
 

 

Reason #327 Why I Am Anxious For Summer: Indy Crit Race & Festival

Indianapolis cycling enthusiasts are gearing up for the 4th Annual Indy Criterium, the city's premier cycling race and festival set to take place on Saturday, July 13, 2013.   Participants compete on a .95 mile closed course that starts at University Park and winds around downtown Indianapolis.  A festival rich with food and games provides the perfect backdrop for the daylong schedule of races. 

Proceeds from the Indy Criterium (also known as "Indy Crit") help support FreeWheelin' Community Bikes, an organization committed to providing the community with reliable and affordable re-conditioned bikes.  The core of the program is Earn-a-Bike, in which youth earn their own bike by learning basic bicycle mechanic skills - and important life and leadership skills - with the help of a mentor.  In 2012, the Indy Crit raised over $14,000 to benefit this fantastic cause!

Over the past several years, I have had the pleasure of contributing to Indy Crit by creating images to help market the event.  As you can see, I had some fun employing different techniques to make each year unique.  Scroll down to take a look.   

2013 2012  2011 2010